US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth argued before the Senate on Thursday that the 60-day deadline for the Trump administration to seek congressional approval for military operations against Iran has been paused due to a ceasefire. The statement came as Friday marks 60 days since President Trump formally notified Congress of strikes against Iran on March 2.
Under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, the president must terminate any use of US armed forces within 60 calendar days unless Congress declares war or grants an extension. Hegseth claimed that the ceasefire in effect since early April “pauses or stops the 60-day clock.” Democratic Senator Tim Kaine challenged this interpretation, stating, “I do not believe the statute would support that. The 60 days runs maybe tomorrow, and it’s going to pose a really important legal question for the administration.”
Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported that Tehran has sent a proposal for negotiations with the US via Pakistani intermediaries. Details of the proposal were not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether it has reached the US. Oil prices, which had spiked sharply after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, dropped following the news of Tehran’s offer.
A senior Trump administration official insisted that “hostilities that began on Saturday, February 28 have terminated,” noting that no exchange of fire has occurred since April 7. However, legal experts questioned the administration’s interpretation. Professor Heather Brandon-Smith of Georgetown University Law argued, “Hostilities have not ceased. The US has instituted a blockade of Iranian ports. This is an act of war.” She added that a ceasefire does not stop the 60-day clock, as it is not a permanent end to the conflict.
The conflict erupted after the US and Israel launched extensive strikes on Iran, killing its supreme leader. Iran retaliated with attacks on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Pentagon officials revealed that operations against Iran have cost the US approximately $25 billion so far. Democrats have repeatedly failed to constrain Trump through congressional votes, while most Republicans have supported the administration, though some have signaled they might reconsider after the 60-day period.
Source: www.bbc.com